Atlas Copco presents its energy-efficient screw technology blowers

Antwerp, Belgium, March 8, 2010: Atlas Copco announces its new and proven energy-efficient technology for air blowing applications: the ZS screw blower. Screw technology on average is 30 percent more energy-efficient compared to lobe technology. Atlas Copco is convinced that the lobe technology, widely used at present, no longer meets the needs of today’s low carbon economy. Industries and applications such as wastewater treatment, pneumatic conveying, power generation, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, pulp & paper, textiles, cement, and general manufacturing will highly benefit from energy savings through replacing the conventional lobe with the leading screw technology. The ZS screw blower will replace the company’s entire range of ‘Roots’ type rotary lobe blowers.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for example, “…approximately 56 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) is used for drinking water and wastewater services. Assuming an average mix of energy sources in the country, this equates to adding almost 45 million tons of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. Just 10 percent of energy savings in this sector could collectively save about million annually.”

In a typical biological wastewater treatment plant, the aeration blower system accounts for up to 70 percent of the energy usage. Today the majority of these plants use less efficient lobe technology, a technology that has had little development since its introduction in the late 19th century. By reducing the energy usage of their aeration blower system, these plants will decrease their energy costs while operating in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Chris Lybaert, President of Atlas Copco’s Oil-free Air Division adds:

“Energy consumption typically represents 80 percent of the lifecycle costs of a blower. By introducing screw technology to our air blower range, we now offer a complete product portfolio of compressors and blowers for all applications and processes below 4 bar(e)/58 psig . Atlas Copco’s screw technology helps customers to save energy, which is a major advantage in a highly competitive marketplace.”

The impact of air blowers on energy usage

Many industries use air blowers for their processes and will benefit from the energy efficiency of screw air blowers. Those that will have a major benefit are the municipal and industrial wastewater treatment plants, where air blowers typically represent up to 70 percent of the total electricity costs. Here, millions of bacteria feed on organic waste, breaking it up into carbon dioxide, nitrogen gas and water. Because the bacteria need oxygen, large amounts of air are blown in the aeration tanks. Energy-efficient and reliable technology

The performance of the new ZS screw blower was tested against a tri-lobe blower by the independent Technische Überwachungs-Verein (German Technical Monitoring Association, or TÜV), according to the international standard ISO 1217, edition4. It was proven that the ZS is 23,8 percent more energy-efficient than a tri-lobe blower at 0,5 bar(e)/7 psig, and 39,7 percent at 0,9 bar(e)/13 psig. The world-class efficiency of the ZS is mainly attributed to the superior screw technology. Other important features that secure increased efficiency and reliability are the integrated gearbox, the oil system and the innovative design that integrates all individual components into a plug-and-run solution.

Atlas Copco may be required to disclose the information provided herein pursuant to the Securities Markets Act.

Atlas Copcois an industrial group with world-leading positions in compressors, construction and mining equipment, power tools and assembly systems. The Group delivers sustainable solutions for increased customer productivity through innovative products and services. Founded 1873, the company is based in Stockholm, Sweden, and has a global reach spanning more than 170 countries. In 2009, Atlas Copco had about 30 000 employees and revenues of BSEK 64 (BEUR 6.0). Learn more at www.atlascopco.comOil-free Air is a division within Atlas Copco's Compressor Technique business area. It develops, manufactures, and markets oil-free air compressors for all kind of industries worldwide where the air quality is vital, and oil-injected compressors for less critical applications. The division focuses on air optimization systems and quality air solutions to further improve customers’ productivity. The divisional headquarters and main production center are located in Antwerp, Belgium.